The Grasshopper
Anthrpod Dissection By: Maegan Hollins Vu PAP Bio-pd.3
Objectives
Students will learn about the internal and external structures in the arthropod, grasshopper. During the dissection students will observe the functions of organs and structures found in the body.
Caelifera
These medium sized arthropods are found throughout the world in dry open areas with a lot of grass. Although nocturnal, many grasshoppers come out during the day. These solitary animals depend on plants and dead insects for sustenance. However, they are hunted by many animals including praying mantises, snakes and birds. Because they are herbivores and live in abundance, ecosystems are changed due to the loss of plant material.
Grasshopper Life Cycle
Interior and Exterior Anatomy of a Grasshopper
Internal Anatomy of a Crayfish
Compare the internal anatomy of a crayfish and grasshopper because they are in the same family.
The Respiratory System
Terrestrial arthropods, have trachea rather than gill and a lungs. Air passes through the spiracle, small opening right outside the exoskeleton. After air passes through the spiracle, it passes through the tracheal trunk and diffuses through the tracheal tubes. Oxygen then is dissolved into liquid and diffuses into the cytoplasm. During the same time, waste product is released, carbon dioxide, out of the body.
Internal Organs and Structures
Respiratory System
This show the trachea found in terrestrial arthropods.
Cross Section Picture
This picture depicts the esophagus and organs of a grasshopper at the anterior end.
Cladogram of a Grasshopper
Fun Facts
1 Hooper, 2 Hopper, 3 Hopper, 4
There are more than 11,000 species of grasshoppers.
Eat Up!
Young grasshoppers can eat twice there body weight.
Squeaky Clean
Grasshoppers clean themselves frequently.